Nicki Minaj urges public figures to address alleged violence in Nigeria

Nicki Minaj urged celebrities, influencers and other public figures to draw more attention to alleged violence against Christians in Nigeria, saying her ties to the country and reports of religious violence prompted her to speak out. The allegations were presented in her remarks and were not independently substantiated in the supplied reporting. Minaj said her pastor is Nigerian and that she has many Nigerian fans, whom she referred to as “Barbz.” Those connections, she said, made developments in Nigeria personal to her. She said reports of brutality against Christians troubled her and questioned why the issue had not attracted greater public attention. The rapper encouraged entertainers and other public figures to speak about the alleged treatment of Christians, arguing that difficult subjects can be neglected when they are not considered popular. She also said she hoped to do more to support the cause, describing her concern in terms of religious freedom and the safety of Christian communities. Minaj made the remarks during an X Takeover event at Tesla’s Giga Texas facility in Austin, according to one account of the event.